THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE MOOD OF FIRST-YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.70.sp.iss.2.42Keywords:
physical activity, mood state, students, mental healthAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the extent to which physical activity influences the mood of university students. Methods: The sample consisted of 37 first-year female students (mean age = 20.16 ± 0.45). Data were collected using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire (Grove & Prapavessis, 2016). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 19. To compare pre- and post-intervention results, paired-sample t-tests were applied, with the level of significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-activity scores across multiple mood dimensions. Tension decreased significantly (t = 5.59, df = 36, p < 0.001), as did anger (t = 6.24, df = 36, p < 0.001) and fatigue (t = 4.05, df = 36, p < 0.001). Similar patterns were found for depression (t = 4.28, df = 36, p < 0.001), confusion (t = 5.47, df = 36, p < 0.001), esteem (t = -3.20, df = 36, p = 0.003), and vigor (t = -2.07, df = 36, p = 0.04). Moreover, total mood disturbance scores were significantly lower after physical activity (t = 6.96, df = 36, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Findings indicate that moderate physical activity—whether through fitness equipment, stationary cycling, or aerobic running—exerts positive effects on students’ mood states. A single session of physical education reduced scores across all mood components, as well as the overall mood disturbance score.
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